AfroCentric Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

AfroCentric Health supports the Medscheme Empowering Doctors (MEDs) programme, the objective of which is to assist recently qualified doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds in setting up successful private practices. The programme involves training, coaching and mentoring in business and financial management as well as financial assistance.

Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic

Based in the Kathorus area, this emerging enterprise faces many challenges. AfroCentric Health has partnered with the clinic by sponsoring much needed training and providing working capital. Our decision to support the clinic is aligned with Millennium Development Goals 4 (infant mortality), and 5 (maternal health).

The reopening of nursing schools and colleges presents an opportunity for AfroCentric Health to contribute to the development, financial and operational independence of privately owned nursing colleges. We are currently implementing a far-reaching programme to support black-owned nursing colleges including:

• Khanyisa Nursing School
• Ithemba Nursing Academy
• Future Nurses Nursing School

This will support the education of qualified and competent nurses, which will help address the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in the country.

AfroCentric Health's SED projects focus on the health and education of the youth, as well as the revitalisation of public healthcare facilities and the education of healthcare personnel.

Four years ago, Medscheme established a development cycling team of eight promising young cyclists from Soweto. We offer these youngsters an opportunity to realise their dream of becoming cycling professionals at national and international level.

The team participates in events recognised by the International Cycling Union and Cycling South Africa, where they are gaining valuable exposure and experience. Two team members have already signed contracts with leading professional cycling teams in South Africa.

Johannesburg Hospital School caters for learners from Grades R to 12 who are admitted to hospital for extended treatment. The school makes it possible for learners to receive medical treatment without interrupting their education.

AfroCentric Health funded the complete refurbishment and equipping of the school and also sponsored the installation of a custom designed playground, which provides a safe environment for children with impaired immune systems.

AfroCentric Health places a high priority on the education of South Africa's youth.
Life College is a non-profit organisation that focuses on developing psycho-social skills for young people - necessary to build on their strengths and prepare them for success. We support Princess High School in Roodepoort by funding Life College's "Who Am I?" training programme.

AfroCentric Health joined forces with Cape Women's Forum and Breede River Hospice in the Western Cape to empower local farm workers to become first health contacts on the farms where they are employed.

The training programme is overseen by the National Department of Health and includes theoretical and practical work sessions, as well as mentoring and supervision by a professional nurse employed by Breede River Hospice.

The first 15 candidates graduated from the 12-month training programme on 21 October 2011. The programme allows learners to accumulate credits towards a formal qualification.

AfroCentric Health supports the National Department of Health's strategy to revitalise public sector hospitals, which aims to build infrastructure and address the shortage of lifesaving equipment.

Our contributions to date include the following:

Somerset Hospital

AfroCentric Health sponsored a state-of-the-art incubator, which will reduce infant mortality through temperature and respiratory support, as well as provide isolation from infection.

SA Air Mercy

AfroCentric Health sponsored a mobile incubator, vital for an air ambulance operated by the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). The mobile incubator will assist in transporting premature infants under intensive care conditions, suitable to operate without power for three hours.

Leratong Hospital

AfroCentric Health funded the cost of 22 examination beds, six resuscitation beds and a variety of medical equipment, as part of the refurbishment of the trauma unit at the hospital.

AfroCentric Health is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates and actively encourages employees to volunteer their time and energy.

Mandela Day

As part of supporting Mandela Day, AfroCentric Health employees were hard at work assisting Siyabonga Dorah's Ark Foundation in Roodepoort in the revival of their food garden. The supply of fresh vegetables will ensure nutrition for the 46 children cared for by the centre.

Sibusisiwe Halfway House

AfroCentric Health employees from Durban reached out to the community by cleaning and painting Sibusisiwe Halfway House, an orphanage in Botha's Hill that cares for 15 children.

Tygerbear

AfroCentric Health employees in Cape Town recently opened their hearts to collect toys for the Tygerbear Foundation. The Tygerbear Foundation aids traumatised children and families at Tygerberg Hospital. Within a month, employees managed to collect toys and money to ensure the annual "Tygerbear Survivors Celebration", a Christmas function, could still be held despite a lack of funding.